Geneva "Nanny" Bates

Geneva "Nanny" Bates, 74, of Fletcher St. in Morganton went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Brian Center East in Hickory following a period of declining health. She was born July 1, 1934 in Yancey County, NC, and was the daughter of Ethel Viola Honeycutt of Morganton and the late Rev. Charles Hayden Honeycutt. Geneva was a member of Hillcrest Freewill Baptist Church in Nebo, NC, and a retired employee of Broughton Hospital with 31 years of service. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend.In addition to her mother, Geneva is survived by her son, James Bates of Morganton; grandchildren, Jamie Bates and Heather Bates, both of Morganton; a daughter-in-law, Kim Smith of Morganton; and great-grandchildren, Zachary, Jaylen, and Alayhia.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2009 at Hillcrest Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Bobby Revis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour.